2011 Jaguar XJL Supercharged

Jaguar has restyled its XJ sedans, and the "Vapour Gray" XJL is a beauty, inside and out.Jaguar offers three versions of the XJ, starting with its "entry-level" XJ with a 5.0-liter 385-horsepower V8. There's also the XJ Supercharged with the same V8 creating 470 horsepower or the XJ Supersport with an even racier 510-horsepower V8. All also come in the extended wheelbase models, like the test car, that add an "L" to the XJ moniker.

The powerful supercharged engine mates with a silky and beautifully calibrated 6-speed automatic transmission.The power is smooth and can be augmented by using tiny paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. Unlike some, these are tucked in and hidden because you'll rarely use them, but if you do you can shift more aggressively. All the while, the interior is library quiet.

Yet while the XJL is long and feels substantial it's not a supertanker. The Jaguar weighs 4,323 lbs. That coupled with its giant wheelbase and electronic active damping suspension creates a soothingly comfortable ride. For a sportier feel press the checkered flag button on the console and the Dynamic Mode takes over, creating sportier shift points, better throttle response and firmer suspension.

There is good steering wheel feedback, although the wheel feels pretty heavy, and you can glide the car through challenging curves on the highways and back roads. There is no body lean and while you can't call the steering crisp, it responds well. The standard 20-inch tires offer excellent grip and a dynamic stability control system is standard along with anti-lock 4-wheel disc brakes.

While the car's looks garnered attention it was the Jag's interior that was most impressive. The test car featured a dark chocolate brown over cream leather dash and doors with a dark oak veneer trim. There are chrome accents on all the gauges and buttons and a black lacquer trim around the center stack, navigation screen and console.

The test car started at $90,700, while the base XJ with the less powerful engine and shorter wheelbase begins at $72,700. Going up from there to the standard XJL moves the price to $79,700. The Supersport starts at $110,200 or $113,200 for the stretched version. With options the test car hit $94,150.

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